Aghdam: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the inauguration of the first phase of the village of Sarijali in Aghdam district on March 27, APA reports. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the newly created living conditions in the village.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Sarijali village was occupied by Armenian armed forces on July 23, 1993, during the First Karabakh War. The village was completely destroyed during the occupation, with residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, and healthcare facilities among the structures lost. Following Azerbaijan's victory in the Patriotic War, Aghdam was returned to Azerbaijan on November 20, 2020, under the Trilateral Statement. The foundation of Sarijali village was laid by President Ilham Aliyev on October 4, 2022, to accommodate 1,873 residents (425 families) across 123 hectares, with 425 houses planned in two phases.
To support residents, various institutions and infrastructure have been established, including educational, economic, and social facilities, along with roads, electricity, telecommunications, water, and gas supply systems. President Aliyev and the First Lady attended the opening of a multifunctional administrative building for local executive structures, equipped with solar panels to meet electricity needs.
As part of the first phase, 203 families (895 people) are set to relocate to the village. A total of 203 houses have been constructed, offering different room layouts. President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva inspected the living conditions and attended the inauguration of a nursery-kindergarten and secondary school. The kindergarten features a 100-seat facility for young children, while the school accommodates 360 students with modern educational facilities.
President Ilham Aliyev addressed the event, highlighting the restoration efforts and future plans for the region. He emphasized the importance of the Sarijali opening, marking a significant event on the eve of the Ramadan holiday. The President reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to rebuilding the liberated territories, ensuring comfortable living conditions for residents, and restoring national dignity.
President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva presented the keys to the new homeowners and engaged in a conversation with the villagers, concluding the ceremony with commemorative photographs. The President stressed the significance of the Second Karabakh War and the ongoing restoration work, affirming Azerbaijan's determination to rebuild and develop the region.